Prayagraj: In an eagerly anticipated development, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is poised to introduce the country’s lengthiest ropeway across a river, promising a panoramic view of the Sangam. As the Prayagraj Mela Authority gears up for the groundbreaking Rs 250 crore project, the initial survey and discussions with defense authorities have paved the way for this ambitious venture.
Originally conceptualized in 2018, ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela, the proposal to construct a ropeway offering visitors a panoramic view of the Sangam received government approval for both the proposal and DPR.
Initially, the ropeway route was surveyed from Triveni Pushp, Someshwarnath Ghat, over the Sangam, up to Ulta Qila of Jhunsi. Lands were acquired to build a station near Ulta Qila in Jhunsi, and government land was obtained near Triveni Pushp in Arail. However, the project faced delays for undisclosed reasons.
Now, as preparations gain momentum for Maha Kumbh 2025, the ropeway project has been revived as a key initiative. The DPR and alignment have been revised, and the ropeway will now run from Shankar Viman Mandapam temple near Bade Hanuman temple and fort to Arail Bandh Road in the first phase.
Earlier objections from the Army, citing security concerns for the fort over which the ropeway is proposed to pass, were addressed with the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence.
Arvind Kumar Chauhan, Vice-Chairman of Prayagraj Development Authority, stated, “The city-side station of the ropeway will be built near Shankar Viman Mandapam temple (near Hanuman temple), and after crossing the fort, it will end at the second station at Triveni Pushp of Arail road.”
He mentioned that the ropeway, with a total length of 2.2 km, will consist of 15 cable cars, each accommodating 10 persons, significantly reducing the travel time between Viman Mandapam and Triveni Pushp.
The project involves compensating the Army for the utilized land and leasing some additional land. This unique fusion of religious faith and technology is expected to boost tourism in the city and provide various amenities such as automatic doors, a restaurant, lockers, automatic ticket vending machines, parking facilities, restrooms, changing rooms, and escalators.